What is monarchy definition. Constitutional monarchy: examples of countries

IN modern world there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories that have international status. Of these, only 41 states have a monarchical form of government, not counting several dozen territories under the authority of the British Crown. It would seem that in the modern world there is a clear advantage on the side of republican states. But upon closer examination, it turns out that these countries mostly belong to the third world and were formed as a result of the collapse of the colonial system. Often created along colonial administrative boundaries, these states are very unstable entities. They can fragment and change, as can be seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is absolutely obvious that they do not belong to the category of advanced states.

Today, the monarchy is an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from the tribal form, successfully operating in the Arab states of the Middle East, to the monarchical version of the democratic state in many European countries.

Here is a list of states with a monarchical system and the territories under their crown:

Europe

* Andorra - co-princes Nicolas Sarkozy (since 2007) and Joan Enric Vives i Sicilha (since 2003)
* Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)
* Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI (since 2005)
* Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)
* Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)
* Spain - King Juan Carlos I (since 1975)
* Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)
* Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)
* Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)
* Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)
* Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)
* Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)

Asia.

* Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir 1999-2002)
* Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
* Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (since 2006)
* Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)
* Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)
* Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)
* Kuwait - Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)
* Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)
* United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)
* Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
* Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2005)
* Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)
* Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)

Africa

* Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time 1990-1995)
* Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
* Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)

Oceania

* Tonga - King George Tupou V (since 2006)

Dominions

In the dominions, or Commonwealth kingdoms, the head is the monarch of Great Britain, represented by the governor-general.

America

* Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
* Bahamas Bahamas
* Barbados
* Belize
* Grenada
*Canada
* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
* Saint Kitts and Nevis
* Saint Lucia
* Jamaica

Oceania

* Australia
* New Zealand
* Niue
* Papua New Guinea
* Solomon islands
* Tuvalu

Asia holds first place in the number of countries with monarchical statehood. This is a progressive and democratic Japan. Leaders of the Muslim world - Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman. Two monarchical confederations - Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. And also Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan.

Second place belongs to Europe. Monarchy here is represented not only in a limited form - in countries occupying leading positions in the EEC (Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, etc.). But also the absolute form of government is in “dwarf” states: Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican.

Third place goes to the countries of Polynesia, and fourth place to Africa, where currently only three full-fledged monarchies remain: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred “tourist” ones.

However, a number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence of traditional local monarchical or tribal formations on their territory, and even enshrine their rights in the constitution. These include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. Even countries such as India and Pakistan, which abolished the sovereign rights of local monarchs (khans, sultans, rajas, maharajas) in the early 70s of the 20th century, are often forced to accept the existence of these rights, which is called de facto. Governments turn to the authority of holders of monarchical rights when resolving regional religious, ethnic, cultural disputes and other conflict situations.

Stability and prosperity

Of course, the monarchy does not automatically solve all social, economic and political problems. But, nevertheless, it can provide a certain amount of stability and balance in the political, social and national structure of society. That is why even those countries where it exists only nominally, say, Canada or Australia, are in no hurry to get rid of the monarchy. The political elite of these countries for the most part understands how important it is for the balance in society that the supreme power is a priori consolidated in one hand and that political circles do not fight for it, but work in the name of the interests of the entire nation.

Moreover, historical experience shows that the world's best systems social security built specifically in monarchical states. And we are talking not only about the monarchies of Scandinavia, where even Soviet agitprop in monarchical Sweden managed to find a version of “socialism with a human face.” Such a system is built in modern countries ah of the Persian Gulf, where oil is often much less than in some fields of the Russian Federation. Despite this, in the 40-60 years since the Gulf countries gained independence, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and everyone, without utopian social experiments, in conditions of a rigid, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and a constitution, when all the mineral resources of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins herding camels, the majority of citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring countries have turned into quite wealthy citizens.

Without going into endless enumeration of the advantages of Arabic social system, you can give just a few strokes. Any citizen of the country has the right to free medical care, including the one that ends up in any, even the most expensive, clinic located in any country in the world. Also, any citizen of the country has the right to free education, coupled with free content, in any higher education institution in the world (Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Sorbonne). Young families are provided with housing at the expense of the state. The monarchies of the Persian Gulf are truly social states in which all conditions have been created for the progressive growth of the well-being of the population.

Turning from flourishing Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to their neighbors in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, who for a number of reasons abandoned the monarchy (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see a striking difference in internal climate these states.

Who strengthens the unity of the people?

As historical experience shows, in multinational states the integrity of the country is primarily associated with the monarchy. We see this in the past, in the example of the Russian Empire, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Iraq. The monarchical regime that comes to replace it, as was the case, for example, in Yugoslavia and Iraq, no longer has the same authority and is forced to resort to cruelties that were not characteristic of the monarchical system of government. At the slightest weakening of this regime, the state, as a rule, is doomed to collapse. This happened with Russia (USSR), we see this in Yugoslavia and Iraq. The abolition of the monarchy in a number of modern countries would inevitably lead to the cessation of their existence as multinational, united states. This primarily applies to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. Thus, the year 2007 clearly showed that in the conditions of the parliamentary crisis that arose due to national contradictions between Flemish and Walloon politicians, only the authority of King Albert II of the Belgians kept Belgium from disintegrating into two or even more independent state entities. In multilingual Belgium, a joke was even born that the unity of its people is held together by only three things - beer, chocolate and the king. Whereas the abolition of the monarchical system in 2008 in Nepal plunged this state into a chain of political crises and permanent civil confrontation.

The second half of the 20th century gives us several successful examples the return of peoples who experienced an era of instability, civil wars and other conflicts to a monarchical form of government. The most famous and, undoubtedly, largely successful example is Spain. Passed through civil war, economic crisis and right-wing dictatorship, it returned to a monarchical form of government, taking its rightful place among the family of European nations. Another example is Cambodia. Also, monarchical regimes at the local level were restored in Uganda, after the fall of the dictatorship of Marshal Idi Amin (1928-2003), and in Indonesia, which, after the departure of General Mohammed Hoxha Sukarto (1921-2008), is experiencing a true monarchical renaissance. One of the local sultanates was restored in this country two centuries after it was destroyed by the Dutch.

Restoration ideas are quite strong in Europe, first of all, this applies to the Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria), where many politicians, public and spiritual figures constantly have to speak out on this issue, and in some cases, provide support to the heads of the Royal Houses, formerly in exile. This is proven by the experience of King Leki of Albania, who almost carried out an armed coup in his country, and the amazing successes of King Simeon II of Bulgaria, who created his own national movement named after him, managed to become the prime minister of the country and is currently the leader of the largest opposition party in the parliament of Bulgaria, which was part of the coalition government.

Among the currently existing monarchies, there are many that are openly absolutist in essence, although they are forced, as a tribute to the times, to dress up in the garb of popular representation and democracy. European monarchs in most cases do not even use the rights given to them by the constitution.

And here the Principality of Liechtenstein occupies a special place on the map of Europe. Just sixty years ago it was a large village, which by an absurd accident gained independence. However, now, thanks to the activities of Prince Franz Joseph II and his son and successor Prince Hans Adam II, this is one of the largest business and financial centers, which has managed not to succumb to promises of creating a “single European house”, to defend its sovereignty and an independent view of its own state device.

The stability of the political and economic systems of most monarchical countries makes them not only not outdated, but progressive and attractive, forcing them to be equal to them in a number of parameters.

So the monarchy is not an addition to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource that makes it easier to endure illness and recover faster from political and economic adversity.

Without a king at the head

There is a fairly common situation in the world when there is no monarchy in a country, but there are monarchs (sometimes they are located outside the country). The heirs of royal families either lay claim (even formally) to the throne lost by their ancestors, or, having lost official power, retain real influence on the life of the country. Here is a list of such states.

Austria
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1918 after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The contender for the throne is Archduke Otto von Habsburg, son of the deposed Emperor Charles.
Albania
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1944 after the communists came to power. The contender for the throne is Leka, the son of the deposed King Zog I.
Andorra Principality, whose nominal co-rulers are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain); some observers consider it necessary to classify Andorra as a monarchy.
Afghanistan
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1973 after the overthrow of King Mohammed Zahir Shah, who returned to the country in 2002 after many years in Italy, but did not actively participate in political life.
Benin Republic,
Traditional kings (Ahosu) and tribal leaders play an important role in its life. The most famous current reigning king (ahosu) of Abomey is Agoli Agbo III, the 17th representative of his dynasty.
Bulgaria
The monarchy ceased to exist after the overthrow of Tsar Simeon II in 1946. Decree on the nationalization of lands belonging to royal family, was canceled in 1997. Since 2001 former king holds the post of Prime Minister of Bulgaria under the name of Simeon of Saxe-Coburg Gotha.
Botswana
Republic since independence in 1966. Members of one of the country's parliamentary chambers, the House of Chiefs, include the chiefs (Kgosi) of the country's eight largest tribes.
Brazil
Republic since the abdication of Emperor Don Pedro II in 1889. The contender for the throne is the great-great-grandson of the abdicated emperor, Prince Luis Gastao.
Burkina Faso
Republic since independence in 1960. The country is home to a large number of traditional states, the most significant of which is Vogodogo (in the territory of the capital of the country, Ouagodougou), where the ruler (moogo-naaba) Baongo II is currently on the throne.
Vatican
Theocracy (some analysts consider it a form of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - but it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).
Hungary
The Republic since 1946, before that, since 1918, it was a nominal monarchy - the regent ruled in the absence of the king. Until 1918, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (the emperors of Austria were also kings of Hungary), so the potential contender for the Hungarian royal throne is the same as in Austria.
East Timor
Republic since independence in 2002. There are a number of traditional states on the territory of the country, the rulers of which have the titles of rajas.
Vietnam
The monarchy in the country finally ceased to exist in 1955, when, following a referendum, a republic was proclaimed in South Vietnam. Previously, in 1945, the last Emperor Bao Dai had already abdicated the throne, but the French authorities returned him to the country in 1949 and gave him the post of head of state. The contender for the throne is the emperor's son, Prince Bao Long.
Gambia
Republic since 1970 (from independence in 1965 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). In 1995, Yvonne Prior, a Dutch woman from Suriname, was recognized as the reincarnation of one of the ancient kings and was proclaimed queen of the Mandingo people.
Ghana
Republic since 1960 (from independence in 1957 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). The Constitution of Ghana guarantees the right of traditional rulers (sometimes called kings, sometimes chiefs) to participate in the management of the affairs of the state.
Germany
Republic since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1918. The contender for the throne is Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia, great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Greece
The monarchy officially ended as a result of a referendum in 1974. King Constantine of Greece, who fled the country after the military coup in 1967, currently lives in the UK. In 1994, the Greek government stripped the king of his citizenship and confiscated his property in Greece. The royal family is currently challenging this decision in International Court on human rights.
Georgia
Republic since independence in 1991. The contender for the throne of the Georgian kingdom, which lost its independence as a result of annexation to Russia in 1801, is Georgiy Iraklievich Bagration-Mukhransky, Prince of Georgia.
Egypt
The monarchy existed until the overthrow of King Ahmad Fuad II of Egypt and Sudan in 1953. Currently, the former king, who was just over a year old at the time of the loss of the throne, lives in France.
Iraq
The monarchy ended in 1958 as a result of a revolution in which King Faisal II was killed. Claims to the Iraqi throne are made by Prince Raad bin Zeid, brother of King Faisal I of Iraq, and Prince Sharif Ali bin Ali Hussein, grandnephew of the same king.
Iran The monarchy ceased to exist in 1979 after the revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The contender for the throne is the son of the deposed Shah crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
Italy
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1946 as a result of a referendum, King Umberto II was forced to leave the country. The contender for the throne is the son of the last king, Crown Prince Victor Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy.
Yemen
The republic emerged from the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. In North Yemen, the monarchy ceased to exist in 1962. The sultanates and principalities in South Yemen were abolished after the declaration of independence in 1967. The contender for the throne is Prince Akhmat al-Ghani bin Mohammed al-Mutawakkil.
Cameroon
Republic since independence in 1960. The country is home to a large number of traditional sultanates, the heads of which often occupy high government positions. Among the most famous traditional rulers is Sultan Bamuna Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, Sultan (baba) of the kingdom of Rey Buba Buba Abdoulaye.
Congo(Democratic Republic of Congo, former Zaire)
Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional kingdoms throughout the country. The most famous are: the kingdom of Cuba (on the throne is King Kwete Mboke); the kingdom of Luba (king, sometimes also called emperor, Kabongo Jacques); the state of Ruund (Lunda), headed by the ruler (mwaant yaav) Mbumb II Muteb.
Congo(Republic of Congo)
Republic since independence in 1960. In 1991, the country's authorities restored the institution of traditional leaders (reconsidering their decision 20 years ago). The most famous of the leaders is the head of the traditional Teke kingdom - King (oonko) Makoko XI.
Korea
(DPRK and the Republic of Korea) The monarchy ceased to exist in 1945 due to the surrender of Japan, in 1945-1948 the country was under the control of the allied powers that won the Second World War, in 1948 two republics were proclaimed on the territory of the Korean Peninsula. Due to the fact that from 1910 to 1945 the rulers of Korea were vassals of Japan, they are usually classified as part of the Japanese imperial family. The contender for the Korean throne is the representative of this family, Prince Kyu Ri (sometimes his last name is written as Lee). On the territory of the DPRK, there is a de facto hereditary form of government, but de jure it is not stipulated in the country’s legislation.
Ivory Coast
Republic since independence in 1960. On the territory of the country (and partly on the territory of neighboring Ghana) is the traditional kingdom of Abrons (ruled by King Nanan Adjumani Kuassi Adingra).
Laos
The monarchy ended in 1975 as a result of the communist revolution. In 1977, all members of the royal family were sent to a concentration camp ("re-education camp"). The king's two sons, Prince Sulivong Savang and Prince Danyavong Savang, were able to escape from Laos in 1981-1982. No information about the fate of the king, queen, crown prince and other family members official information No. According to unofficial reports, they all died of starvation in a concentration camp. Prince Sulivong Sawang, as the eldest surviving male of the clan, is the formal contender for the throne.
Libya
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1969. After the coup organized by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, King Idris I, who was abroad during the coup, was forced to abdicate. The pretender to the throne is the official heir of the king (his adopted son cousin) Prince Mohammed al-Hassan al-Rida.
Malawi
Republic since 1966 (from the declaration of independence in 1964 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). An important role in the political life of the country is played by the paramount leader (inkosi ya makosi) Mmbelwa IV of the Ngoni dynasty.
Maldives
The monarchy ceased to exist after a referendum in 1968 (during the period of British rule, that is, before the declaration of independence in 1965, the country had already become a republic once for a short time). The formal contender for the throne, although he has never declared his claims, is Prince Mohammed Nureddin, the son of Sultan Hassan Nureddin II of the Maldives (reigned 1935-1943).
Mexico
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1867 after the execution by revolutionaries of the ruler of the empire proclaimed in 1864, Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Earlier, in 1821-1823, the country had already once been an independent state with a monarchical form of structure. Representatives of the Iturbide dynasty, whose ancestor was the Mexican emperor during this period, are pretenders to the Mexican throne. The head of the Iturbide family is Baroness Maria (II) Anna Tankle Iturbide.
Mozambique
Republic since independence in 1975. The country is home to the traditional state of Manyika, whose ruler (mambo) is Mutasa Paphiwa.
Myanmar
(until 1989 Burma) Republic since independence in 1948. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1885 after the annexation of Burma to British India. The contender for the throne is Prince Hteiktin Taw Paya, grandson of the last king Thibaw Min.
Namibia
Republic since independence in 1990. A number of tribes are governed by traditional rulers. The role of traditional leaders is evidenced by the fact that Hendrik Witbooi served as deputy head of government for several years.
Niger
Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional states on the territory of the country. Their rulers and tribal elders choose their political and religious leader, who bears the title of Sultan of Zinder (the title is not hereditary). Currently, the title of the 20th Sultan of Zinder is held by Haji Mamadou Mustafa.
Nigeria
Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1960 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). There are about 100 traditional states on the territory of the country, the rulers of which bear both the familiar-sounding titles of Sultan or Emir, as well as more exotic ones: Aku Uka, Olu, Igwe, Amanyanabo, Tor Tiv, Alafin, Oba, Obi, Ataoja, Oroje, Olubaka, Ohimege (most often this means “leader” or “supreme leader”).
Palau(Belau)
Republic since independence in 1994. Legislative power is exercised by the House of Delegates (Council of Chiefs), which consists of the traditional rulers of Palau's 16 provinces. The greatest authority is enjoyed by Yutaka Gibbons, the paramount chief (ibedul) of Koror, the main city of the country.
Portugal
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1910 as a result of the escape from the country of King Manuel II, who feared for his life due to an armed uprising. The contender for the throne is Dom Duarte III Pio, Duke of Braganza.
Russia
The monarchy ceased to exist after February Revolution 1917. Although there are several contenders for Russian throne, most monarchists recognize Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II, as the legal heir.
Romania
The monarchy ceased to exist after the abdication of King Michael I in 1947. After the collapse of communism, the former king visited his native country several times. In 2001, the Romanian parliament granted him the rights former head state - a residence, a personal car with a driver and a salary of 50% of the salary of the president of the country.
Serbia
Along with Montenegro, it was part of Yugoslavia until 2002 (the remaining republics left Yugoslavia in 1991). In Yugoslavia, the monarchy finally ceased to exist in 1945 (since 1941, King Peter II was outside the country). After his death, his son, the heir to the throne, Prince Alexander (Karageorgievich), became the head of the royal house.
USA
Republic since independence in 1776. The Hawaiian Islands (annexed to the United States in 1898, gained statehood in 1959) had a monarchy until 1893. The contender for the Hawaiian throne is Prince Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa, a direct descendant of the last Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani.
Tanzania
The republic was formed in 1964 as a result of the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On the island of Zanzibar, shortly before the unification, the monarchy was overthrown. The 10th Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, was forced to leave the country. In 2000, the Tanzanian authorities announced the rehabilitation of the monarch and that he had the right to return to his homeland as an ordinary citizen.
Tunisia
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1957, at next year after the declaration of independence. The contender for the throne is Crown Prince Sidi Ali Ibrahim.
Turkey Proclaimed a republic in 1923 (the sultanate was abolished a year earlier, and the caliphate a year later). The contender for the throne is Prince Osman VI.
Uganda
Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1962 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). Some traditional kingdoms in the country were eliminated in 1966-1967 and almost all were restored in 1993-1994. Others managed to avoid liquidation.
Philippines
Republic since independence in 1946. There are many traditional sultanates in the country. 28 of them are concentrated in the area of ​​Lake Lanao (Mindanao Island). The Philippine government officially recognizes the confederation of Sultans of Lanao (Ranao) as a political force representing the interests of certain segments of the island's population. At least six people representing two clans claim the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu (located on the archipelago of the same name), which is explained by various political and financial benefits.
France
The monarchy was abolished in 1871. The heirs of various families claim the French throne: Prince Henry of Orleans, Count of Paris and Duke of France (Orléanist pretender); Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (legitimist pretender) and Prince Charles Bonaparte, Prince Napoleon (Bonapartist pretender).
Central African Republic
After gaining independence from France in 1960, a republic was proclaimed. Colonel Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who came to power in 1966 as a result of a military coup, proclaimed the country an empire and himself emperor in 1976. In 1979, Bokassa was overthrown and the Central African Empire once again became the Central African Republic. The contender for the throne is Bokassa's son, Crown Prince Jean-Bedel Georges Bokassa.
Chad Republic since independence in 1960. Among the numerous traditional states in Chad, two should be highlighted: the Bagirmi and Wadari sultanates (both were formally liquidated after the declaration of independence and restored in 1970). Sultan (mbang) Bagirmi - Muhammad Yusuf, Sultan (kolak) Vadari - Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Urada.
Montenegro See Serbia
Ethiopia
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1975 after the abolition of the post of emperor. The last of ruling emperors was Haile Selassie I, belonging to the dynasty, the founders of which are considered to be Menelik I, the son of Solomon, king of Israel, by the Queen of Sheba. In 1988, in a private ceremony in London, Haile Selassie's son Amha Selassie I was proclaimed the new Emperor of Ethiopia (in exile).
South African Republic
Since 1961 (from independence in 1910 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). Tribal leaders (amakosi) play an important role in the life of the country, as well as the ruler of the traditional kingdom of KwaZulu, Goodwill Zwelithini KaBekuzulu. Separately, it is worth highlighting the supreme leader of the Tembu tribe, Baelekhai Dalindyebo a Sabata, who, in accordance with the customs of the tribe, is considered the nephew of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The leader of the tribe is also a well-known politician, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Mangosuthu Gatshi Buthelezi from the Buthelezi tribe. During the apartheid period, the South African authorities created ten "autonomous" tribal entities called Bantustans (homelands). In 1994

And now a little about the features of the African monarchy.

African autocrats.

Benin. Joseph Langanfen, a member of the Abomi dynasty, is the president of KAFRA, the council of Abomi royal families.

The scions of the dynasties that entered the history of Africa before the beginning of the twentieth century are the bearers of the secret power with which “modern governments” must coexist.

Unlike the Indian Maharjas, they have survived the upheavals of history and exist, as it were, in parallel world, which remains very real. However, for some Africans they represent a backward, archaic system that has succumbed to Western colonization. They are accused of tribal conservatism, which prevents traditional African societies from moving towards the formation of modern states.

For others, these kings are the guarantors of the old culture in the face of an uncertain future. Be that as it may, they are still present in different countries, and this reality must be taken into account.

Nigeria. Igwe Kenneth Nnaji Onimeke Orizu III. Obi (king) of the Nnewi tribe. When he was proclaimed king in 1963, Igwe was a farmer and his 10 wives bore him 30 children. Situated in the east of the Niger River, the tribe's main city has several millionaires.

Benin. Agboli-Agbo Dejlani. King of abomi. A former policeman, he had to wait six years for retirement before finally being proclaimed in a secret ceremony the head of one of the Abomi clans. By nature, the monogamous king had to take two more wives, as required by rank.

Nigeria. In 1980, Sijuwade became the 50th oni (king) of Ilfa, one of the oldest African dynasties. Today he is a wealthy businessman, owning extensive property in Nigeria and England.

Cameroon. Fon (king) Banjuna is the brother of the brave and powerful animals. At night, he can turn into a panther and hunt in a shroud. Formerly the chief administrator and head of the Cabinet of the Minister of Finance of Cameroon, Kamga Joseph is now the 13th von of his tribe.

Ghana. Ocediyo ado Danqua III. A graduate of the University of London and an economic adviser to the Ghanaian government, King Akropong has spent the last sixteen years living in the "holy places" of the Akuarem-Ason, one of the seven major clans of the Akan tribe.

Congo. Nyimi Kok Mabintsh III, King of Cuba. Now he is 50, he ascended the throne at the age of 20. He is considered a descendant of the creator god and the possessor of supernatural powers. He has no right to sit on the ground or cross cultivated fields. And no one has ever seen him eat.

South Africa. Goodwill Zwelethini, King of the Zulu. He is a direct descendant of the legendary Chaka Zulu, the founder of the kingdom, whose military genius is sometimes compared to Napoleon.

Nigeria. Oba Joseph Adekola Ogunoye. Olowo (king) of the Ovo tribe. 600 years ago, the first monarch of the dynasty fell in love with a beautiful girl who turned out to be a goddess. She became his wife, but demanded that every year the people hold festivals in her honor with a sacrifice. This still happens, but human sacrifices - necessarily a man and a woman - were replaced by a sheep and a goat.

Cameroon. Hapi IV, King of Bana. This royal dynasty is associated with a real tragedy. In the mid-12th century, several Bamileke clans settled in small villages around Ban. Legend has it that one of the village chiefs, Mfenge, was accused of witchcraft. In order to justify himself, he cut off his mother's head, and the corpse was studied by local shamans. Claims that witchcraft was transmitted through the "womb" were not proven, and Mfenge himself was made king.

These are Their African Majesties. 21st century.

Greek - autocracy): politic system, based on the exclusive legal power of one person. Monarchy is the most ancient and stable type in history political organization.

Excellent definition

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MONARCHY

one of the forms of monocracy is unity of rights and the name of the state system, headed by a monarch. Monarchy differs from other forms of monocracy (dictatorship, presidential rule, party leadership) by hereditary (dynamic) succession of power (throne, crown) and family-related filling of the political environment.

The cultural and historical basis of the origin of the monarchy was the socio-biological mechanism of leaderism - the emergence in a human group that lived according to the norms of pack animals, a leader and a hierarchy of his subordinate environment. Subsequently, such a leader headed a tribe, then a union of tribes, pre-state and state formations, and gradually the idea of ​​the country and people as the property of the sovereign took shape.

The monarchy is in historical opposition to republican statehood and competes with republican democracy, but can be combined with monarchical democracy, that is, with the most ancient forms of tribal, military, veche (in Russian principalities), city (police) democracy (mixed government, according to Aristotle) . The historical meaning of the dilemma “monarchy - republican democracy”, formulated by the political philosophy of ancient Greece, was explained as the problem of number in politics: the movement from 1 to set (Plato. Republic, 291d, 302c). The movement from 1 to functionally, between monarchy and democracy all other types of government systems are located, 1 and these are extremes, so in history they either supplanted each other or combined with each other. In the Romanesque and medieval traditions, the tradition of the titular monarchy was firmly held, i.e., the rule entrusted to the monarch by the people - the true holder of power and rights. Early feudal monarchies did not yet have full power, which they were forced to share with tribal leaders and communal self-government in cities; often their functions were limited to the leadership of military operations (elected kings of the Germanic tribes, Novgorod princes in Rus'). In the East and Europe, by the beginning of the New Age, the monarchy gradually absolutely prevailed and took on the completed form of absolutism (in Europe) and autocracy (in Russia) in the process of historical concentration and centralization of power. Absolutism received theoretical justification in the concept of monarchical sovereignty in the works of I. Sanin (“The Enlightener,” 1503) and J. Bodin (“Six Books on the Republic,” 1576). Monarchy as a form of government gradually declined. This process began with con. 18th century and continued throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Monarchies were either replaced by a republican system, or took mixed forms (constitutional, democratic, parliamentary), which significantly limited the power of the monarch, and often reduced the role of the monarch in the state to pure representation.

Republic and its types. Republican state regimes

A republic is a form of government in which all the highest bodies of government are either elected or formed by a national representative institution.

IN foreign countries There are two main types of republican forms of government - presidential and parliamentary republics.

1. Presidential republic - characterized by the combination in the hands of the president of the powers of the head of state and head of government (formal distinguishing feature- absence of the position of prime minister).

It is built on the principle of a strict separation of powers (all mandates are received from the people).

Characteristics:

— extra-parliamentary method of electing the president (popular election);

- appointment and dismissal of ministers by the president;

— judges and senior officials are appointed by the president with the consent of the upper house of parliament;

— absence of the institution of parliamentary responsibility (execution of power before parliament for the policies pursued);

— the president does not have the right to dissolve parliament;

- the president has the right of suspensive veto

This is a very flexible form of government that easily adapts to different conditions. It has become widespread (USA, France, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, etc.).

2.Parliamentary republic - characterized by the proclamation of the principle of the supremacy of parliament, to which the government bears political responsibility for its activities (a formal distinctive feature is the presence of the position of prime minister).

Characteristics:

- the government is formed only by parliamentary means from among the leaders of the party that has a majority in the lower house;

— the participation of the president in the formation of the government is purely nominal;

- the board is always of a party nature;

— the head of state is elected by parliament;

— regulations the president is required to countersign.

A parliamentary republic is a less common form of government (Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, India, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, etc.).

In the specifics of the political life of a particular country, taking into account one or another ratio political forces, established traditions or introduced reforms, mixed forms of government are possible.

3. Mixed forms of government - characterized by a combination of elements of both a parliamentary and presidential republic (France). In a number of countries, the president is elected by the citizens, but has “sleeping powers.” The government relies on a parliamentary majority.

4.Soviet Republic (Vietnam, North Korea, China, Cuba). All organs are councils.

Signs:

— supremacy and sovereignty of councils (all government bodies are formed by councils, are responsible to them and accountable to them);

— councils at all levels form a single system (power-subordination);

— current powers are exercised by their local executive bodies;

- the separation of powers is not recognized (the joint power of the Spanish, the Zak and the court are in the hands of the councils;

- real power belongs to the top of the Communist Party apparatus and the first secretary.

There are also forms of government that combine elements of a monarchy and a republic (Malaysia has a rare type of constitutional monarchy - an elective monarchy.

Monarchy is a form of government in which the supreme state power legally belongs to one person who holds his position in the established order of succession to the throne for life. The term "monarchy" is Greek origin(“monos” - one, “arche” - power) and means “unique power”, “single power”.

Types of monarchy:

1. Absolute monarchy (autocracy) - there are no representative institutions, all state power is concentrated in the hands of the monarch (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE).

2. Constitutional monarchy - the power of the monarch is significantly limited by a representative body. It is divided into two types:

a) Dualistic monarchy - there are two political institutions at the same time - the monarchy and parliament, which share state power among themselves. Dualism is expressed in the fact that the monarch is independent of parliament in the sphere of executive power, he appoints the government, which is responsible only to him, judicial power belongs to the monarch, and there is no institution of parliamentary government responsibility (Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco). Without the approval of the monarch, no law will come into force.

b) Parliamentary monarchy - the power of the monarch is limited not only in the legislative sphere, but also in the sphere government controlled and control over government. The government is formed through parliamentary process and is responsible for its activities only to parliament. In contrast to the dualistic monarchy, here the central place in the system of government bodies is occupied by the government, which not only exercises the powers and prerogatives of the monarch, but also controls and directs all the activities of parliament (Great Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc.).

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Types of monarchies and their characteristics

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The emergence of the state

State- this is an organization of life in which there is a unified system of protecting the rights of people living in the same territory in which the state has sovereignty; relationships between them are regulated on the basis of common laws (or traditions), border protection is carried out; relationships with other states and peoples are regulated in one way or another.

The first forms of institutions of power and the first generally binding norms of behavior were formed already at the primitive stage of the development of society. This period is characterized by the absence political power and government institutions. Social norms during this period are in the nature of customs, traditions, rituals and taboos. In science, the question is whether data can be read social norms right or proto-law is debatable.

The emergence of the state is hidden in ancient times. The idea of ​​the state flows from the very depths of human consciousness. For many millennia, peoples of all kinds of tribes and different degrees developments, by their inference and experience, have always and everywhere been led to this idea. Initial cell human society was a family, clan, tribe. The struggle between them led to the victory of one clan (tribe) over another or to a conciliatory agreement between several clans (tribes), as a result of which a state was established over them. unified power.

States emerge and strengthen with the transition from a hunting and pastoral-nomadic life to an agricultural one. A community that has settled in place with all its goods and herds, connecting its fate with the sown field and the expected harvest, is naturally forced to defend and defend its possessions from the incoming hordes of conquerors who subject everything to devastation.

History shows that states develop earlier where the climate and soil are favorable for agriculture: in southern fertile countries, near large rivers (Assyria, Egypt). Also, states more easily achieve development and maturity in those places where the sea or mountains help defense from attacks and, at the same time, where land or river and sea routes of communication facilitate trade relations and create a permanent tide population to the center and low tide from it to the colonies (Greece, Rome). Finally, the creation of a powerful state has always been achieved by energetic and enterprising, hardworking and at the same time warlike peoples.

One of the most important features of the state is the close organic connection of the state with the law, which is an economically and spiritually determined normative expression of the will of society, a state regulator public relations. It is difficult to find an example in history when the state could do without law, and law without the state.

Thus, the state arose and strengthened in search of internal order and external security. In it people find the highest weapon to ensure the protection of their personal safety, their rights and freedoms. The question of the concept of state is as complex and ancient as the state itself.

One of the greatest thinkers of antiquity, Aristotle, believed that the state is “a self-sufficient communication of citizens who do not need any other communication and are not dependent on anyone else.”

Types of monarchies and their characteristics.

Monarchy - a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to one person - the monarch (king, czar, emperor, sultan, emir, khan) and is inherited.

Signs of a monarchy:

• the existence of a single head of state who exercises his power for life;
• hereditary (according to the law on succession to the throne) order of succession of supreme power;
• the monarch personifies the unity of the nation, the historical continuity of tradition, and represents the state in the international arena;

Types of monarchy:

Absolute monarchy- monarchy, which presupposes the unlimited power of the monarch. Under an absolute monarchy, possible existing authorities are fully accountable to the monarch, and the will of the people can be officially expressed at most through an advisory body (currently Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar).

A constitutional monarchy- a monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution, unwritten law or traditions. Constitutional monarchy exists in two forms: dual monarchy (Austro-Hungarian Empire 1867-1918, Japan 1889-1945, currently exists in Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait and, with some reservations, also in Monaco and Liechtenstein) and parliamentary monarchy (currently Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden).

Parliamentary monarchy- a type of constitutional monarchy in which the monarch has no power and performs only a representative function. In a parliamentary monarchy, the government is responsible to parliament, which has more power than other government bodies (although this may vary from country to country).

Dualistic monarchy(lat.

Dualis- dual) - a type of constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution and parliament in the legislative field, but within the framework set by them, the monarch has complete freedom to make decisions.

Benefits Monarchies as forms of government are usually called:

• A monarch, as a rule, is raised from childhood with the expectation that in the future he will become the supreme ruler of the state. This allows him to develop the qualities necessary for such a position and ensures that power in the course of democratic machinations will not be obtained by an incompetent or malicious person;
• The replacement of power occurs not on the basis of someone’s interests, but by accident of birth, which reduces the possibility of penetration into power by people for whom power is an end in itself.
• A monarch is naturally interested in leaving his son or daughter a prosperous country.

Disadvantages monarchies are called:

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Forms of government, characteristics and types of monarchy

Let's define forms of government, consider characteristics and types of monarchy.

Forms of government

Form of government- this is the organization of supreme power, which is characterized by its formal source and the principles of the relationship between the population and the highest authorities of the state.

Form of government gives an answer to the question of how the supreme state power is structured, what types of bodies implement it and what are the principles of organizing the relationships between them.

The defining feature of the form of government is legal status head of state(in a republic - elective and replaceable, in a monarchy - hereditary).

Modern countries are characterized by two main forms of government: monarchy and republic.

Characteristics of the monarchy

Monarchy(translated from Greek monarchia - autocracy) is a form of government in which state power is partially or completely concentrated in the hands of the head of state - the monarch (king, emperor, king, sultan, shah, etc.).

In this form of government, the power of the head of state is not derived from any other power, other body or voters. The monarch is formally considered source of state power(leads the country in his own right and is on the throne by succession to the throne, usually for life).

Monarchical form of government present in states in which anti-feudal bourgeois revolutions were not brought to completion, but ended in a compromise between the bourgeoisie and the feudal aristocracy.

In a number of cases, the monarchy undergoes restoration (for example, in the second half of the 70s of the 20th century in Spain).

Monarchies function in many developed countries: Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Luxembourg, Monaco, Japan.

Types of monarchy

There are two historical type of monarchy- absolute and limited (constitutional) monarchies.

Absolute monarchy- this is a type of monarchical form of government, which is characterized by the actual and legal concentration of all state power (executive, legislative and judicial), as well as spiritual power in the hands of one monarch. At the same time, the power of the monarch is not limited in any way (there is no parliament or constitution); monarchs issue laws. This form of government was characteristic of the slave and feudal formations.

In modern world absolute types of monarchies preserved in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Brunei. In some of them, steps have been taken in recent decades to move towards a constitutional monarchy. For example, the UAE (in 1971) and Qatar (in 1972) adopted constitutions.

Limited (constitutional) monarchy- this is a special type of monarchical form of government, in which the powers of the monarch are limited by the norms of the constitution, there is also an elected legislative body (parliament) and formally independent courts.

The first constitutional monarchy arose in Great Britain at the end of the 17th century as a result of the bourgeois revolution.

Monarchy as a form of government: concept, characteristics and types

"Monarchy" translated from Greek language means “unique power”, “single power”.

Monarchy- a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to one person - the monarch (emperor, king, czar, duke, prince) and is inherited.

Features of the monarchy - heredity, unity of command and lack of responsibility of the monarch to the population. Republic- election, collegiality, responsibility to the population.

Signs of an unlimited (absolute) monarchy:

1) the presence of a sole ruler;

2) dynastic inheritance of power;

3) lifelong rule: the laws of monarchies do not provide any grounds for removing the monarch from power;

4) concentration in the hands of the monarch of all power;

5) the absence of any responsibility of the monarch for how he governs the country. He is responsible only to God and History.

The listed signs usually characterize unlimited (absolute) monarchy, which was inherent in slave and feudal societies.

Classic monarchies are fraught with such disadvantages as:

— by virtue of sole rule, -subjectivism in making decisions that affect the fate of the entire country;

— by virtue of inheritance of supreme power based on the principle of consanguinity, - unpredictability of the political properties of the head of state and his irremovability except through a coup or violent removal;

- dynastic struggle;

— turmoil and uncontrollability;

In addition to unlimited there are limited monarchies.

The original form of limited monarchy was dualistic. This form is characterized by the fact that, along with the legal and actual independence of the monarch, there are representative bodies with legislative and control functions. Executive power belongs to the monarch, who exercises it directly or through the government. Although the monarch does not legislate, he is endowed with the right of absolute veto, that is, he has the right to approve or not approve laws adopted by representative bodies. Thus, the dualism is that the monarch cannot make a political decision without the consent of parliament, and parliament without the consent of the monarch. Some scientists classify the class-representative feudal monarchies that existed in Western Europe in the Middle Ages as dualistic. Currently, there are no classical dualist monarchies, although Bhutan, Jordan, Kuwait and Morocco are sometimes included.

2) Another type of limited monarchy - parliamentary or constitutional where the power of the monarch is legally limited in all areas of activity. This institution is preserved mainly due to historical traditions and fulfills modern society integrative and stabilizing role.

Indicative in this regard is the example of Spain, where after 40 years of Franco’s dictatorship in 1975, the people of Spain spoke out for the restoration of the monarchy.

The parliamentary monarchy is characterized by the following features:

1) the power of the monarch is limited in all spheres of state power;

2) government is based on the principles of separation of powers and parliamentarism;

3) executive power is exercised by the government, which is responsible to parliament!!!;

4) the government is formed from representatives of the party that won the parliamentary elections, and the leader of this party becomes the head of the government;

5) laws are adopted by parliament, they are signed by the monarch, but this is a purely formal act, since he does not have the right of veto.

In some countries, the monarch may retain certain powers, for example, the right to appoint the head of government and ministers, but only at the proposal of parliament. The monarch does not have the right to reject a minister's candidacy if it has been approved by parliament. The monarch can issue decrees, but they are usually prepared within the government and signed by the head of government or the relevant minister (the so-called countersign). Without such a signature, the decrees of the monarch do not have legal force. The government or minister who signed the decree of the monarch takes responsibility for the implementation of the decree. The monarch can dismiss the government if it has lost the confidence of parliament. In turn, the government may propose to the monarch, in cases specified by law, to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

But not in all states where the form of government in the form of a parliamentary monarchy is established, parliament dominates. For example, in countries where there is a two-party system (Great Britain, Canada, Australia) or a multi-party system with one dominant party (Japan), the parliamentary model of relations between parliament and government practically turns into its opposite. Legally, parliament controls the government. But in reality, the government, consisting of party leaders with a majority in parliament, controls parliament through party factions. This system was named cabinet system, or ministerialism.

Parliamentary monarchy today exists in Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, etc.

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Monarchy - This is a form of government in which supreme state power is exercised individually and is passed on, as a rule, by inheritance. The main legal properties of the classical monarchical form of government are: lifelong use of power by the head of state (king, king, emperor, shah); occupation of the throne by inheritance or by right of kinship.

The monarchy arose in a slave society. Under feudalism, it became the main form of government. In bourgeois society, only the traditional, mostly formal features of monarchical rule were preserved.

Form of government. Characteristic features and types of the republic.

The form of government is the structure of the highest bodies of state power, the order of their formation and interaction with each other and with the population.

Forms of government vary greatly depending on whether power is exercised by one person or vested in a collective body. In the first case, there is a monarchical form of government, in the second - a republican one.

Republic - This is a form of government in which the supreme state power is exercised by elected bodies elected by the population for a certain period of time.

The general legal features of the republican form of government are: election for a certain term of the head of state and other supreme bodies of state power; exercise of state power on behalf of the people; separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial; mutual responsibility of the state (all its bodies) and the individual, etc.

Modern republics are divided into two types: parliamentary and presidential.

Parliamentary republic characterized by the supremacy of parliament in the organization of public life of the country. In such a republic, the government is formed by parliamentary means from among deputies belonging to parties that have a majority of votes in parliament. Members of the government are responsible to parliament for their activities. The government is competent to govern the country as long as it enjoys the confidence of the parliamentary majority. Otherwise, it either resigns or, through the head of state, seeks the dissolution of parliament and the calling of early parliamentary elections.

The main functions of parliament are legislative activity and control over the executive branch, development and approval of the state budget, determining the main directions of the country's socio-economic development, and resolving foreign policy issues.

The second type of republican form of government is a presidential republic. In it, the president concentrates in his hands the powers of the head of state and the head of the executive branch.

Presidential form of government in various countries has its own characteristics. However, all presidential republics are characterized by the fact that the president either combines the powers of the head of state and the head of government in one person, or directly appoints the head of government and participates in the formation of the government.

In addition to the parliamentary and presidential republic, there is also a mixed ( semi-presidential) republic. It is characterized by a combination of the main features of both types of republican form of government, as well as new ones, not known to any of the types of republic discussed above.

One of the features unique to republics mixed type government, is the possibility enshrined in the country's constitution of dissolving parliament or its lower house on the initiative of the president in the event of an insurmountable conflict between the executive authorities and parliament (such power of the president is enshrined, for example, in Russia, France, Belarus).

Thus, parliamentary and presidential republics mainly differ depending on which of the supreme authorities - the president or parliament - forms the government and exercises direct leadership over it, and therefore to whom - the president or parliament - the government is directly responsible.

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For many centuries, in almost the entire civilized world, power was organized according to the type of monarchy. Then the existing system was overthrown by revolutions or wars, but there are still states that consider this form of government acceptable for themselves. So, what types of monarchy are there and how do they differ from each other?

Monarchy: concept and types

The word “μοναρχία” existed in ancient Greek and meant “unique power.” It is easy to guess that monarchy in the historical and political sense is a form of government in which all power or most of it is concentrated in the hands of one person.

The monarch is called differently in different countries: emperor, king, prince, king, emir, khan, sultan, pharaoh, duke, and so on. Transfer of power by inheritance - characteristic which distinguishes monarchy.

The concept and types of monarchies - interesting subject for study by historians, political scientists and even politicians. A wave of revolutions, starting with the Great French Revolution, overthrew such a system in many countries. However, in the 21st century modern views monarchies successfully continue to exist in Great Britain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden and other countries. Hence the numerous debates on the topic of whether the monarchical system limits democracy and whether such a state can develop intensively?

Classic signs of a monarchy

Numerous types of monarchy differ from each other in a number of characteristics. But there are also general provisions that are inherent in most of them.

There are examples in history when some types of republic and monarchy bordered so closely on each other in terms of political structure that it was difficult to give the state an unambiguous status. For example, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was headed by a monarch, but he was elected by the Sejm. Some historians call the controversial political regime of the Republic of Poland - gentry democracy.

Types of monarchy and their characteristics

There are two large groups of monarchies that have formed:

• according to the limitations of monarchical power;
• taking into account the traditional structure of power.

Before examining in detail the characteristics of each form of government, it is necessary to define existing species monarchy. The table will help you do this clearly.

Absolute monarchy

Absolutus - translated from Latin as “unconditional”. Absolute and constitutional are the main types of monarchy.

Absolute monarchy is a form of government in which unconditional power is concentrated in the hands of one person and is not limited by any government agencies. This method of political organization is similar to a dictatorship, since in the hands of the monarch there may be not only the fullness of military, legislative, judicial and executive power, but even religious power.

During the Age of Enlightenment, theologians began to explain the right of one person to individually control the fate of an entire people or state by the divine exclusivity of the ruler. That is, the monarch is God's anointed on the throne. The religious people sacredly believed in this. There are known cases when terminally ill French people came to the walls of the Louvre on certain days. People believed that by touching the hand of Louis XIV, they would receive the desired healing from all their illnesses.

Exist different types absolute monarchy. For example, absolute theocratic is a type of monarchy in which the head of the church is also the head of state. The most famous European country with this form of government is the Vatican.

A constitutional monarchy

This form of monarchical government is considered progressive because the ruler's power is limited to ministers or parliament. The main types of constitutional monarchy are dualistic and parliamentary.

In a dualistic organization of power, the monarch is given executive power, but no decision can be made without the approval of the relevant minister. Parliament retains the right to vote the budget and pass laws.

In a parliamentary monarchy, all levers of government are actually concentrated in the hands of parliament. The monarch approves ministerial candidates, but parliament still nominates them. It turns out that the hereditary ruler is simply a symbol of his state, but without the approval of parliament he cannot make a single nationally important decision. In some cases, parliament can even dictate to the monarch on what principles he should build his personal life.

Ancient Eastern monarchy

If we were to analyze in detail the list describing the types of monarchy, the table would begin with ancient Eastern monarchical formations. This is the first form of monarchy that appeared in our world, and it had peculiar features.

Ruler in such government entities a community leader was appointed who managed religious and economic affairs. One of the main duties of the monarch was to serve the cult. That is, he became a kind of priest, and organizing religious ceremonies, interpreting divine signs, preserving the wisdom of the tribe - these were his primary tasks.

Since the ruler in the eastern monarchy was directly connected with the gods in the minds of the people, he was given quite broad powers. For example, he could interfere in the internal affairs of any family and dictate his will.

In addition, the ancient Eastern monarch monitored the distribution of lands among his subjects and the collection of taxes. He established the scope of work and duties and led the army. Such a monarch necessarily had advisers - priests, noble people, elders.

Feudal monarchy

The types of monarchy as a form of government have transformed over time. After the ancient Eastern monarchy, the feudal form of government took precedence in political life. It is divided into several periods.

The early feudal monarchy emerged as a result of the evolution of slave states or the primitive communal system. As is known, the first rulers of such states were generally recognized military commanders. Relying on the support of the army, they established their supreme power over the peoples. To strengthen his influence in certain regions, the monarch sent his governors there, from whom the nobility was subsequently formed. The rulers did not bear any legal responsibility for their actions. In practice, institutions of power did not exist. The ancient Slavic state - Kievan Rus - fits this description.

After a period of feudal fragmentation, patrimonial monarchies began to form, in which large feudal lords inherited not only power, but also lands to their sons.

Then, for some time in history, an estate-representative form of government existed, until most states turned into absolute monarchies.

Theocratic monarchy

Types of monarchy, differing in traditional structure, include in their list the theocratic form of government.

In such a monarchy, the absolute ruler is the representative of the religion. With this form of government, all three branches of power pass into the hands of the clergy. Examples of such states in Europe have been preserved only on the territory of the Vatican, where the Pope is both the head of the church and the state ruler. But in Muslim countries there are a few more modern theocratic-monarchical examples - Saudi Arabia, Brunei.

Types of monarchy today

The flames of revolution failed to eradicate the monarchical system throughout the world. This form of government has been preserved in the 21st century in many respected countries.

In Europe, in the small parliamentary principality of Andorra, as of 2013, two princes ruled at once - Francois Hollande and Joan Enric Vives i Sicil.

In Belgium, King Philippe ascended the throne in 2013. A small country with a smaller population than Moscow or Tokyo, it is not just a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, but also a federal territorial system.

Since 2013, the Vatican has been headed by Pope Francis. The Vatican is a city-state that still maintains a theocratic monarchy.

The famous parliamentary monarchy of Great Britain has been ruled by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, and Queen Margrethe II has ruled in Denmark since 1972.

In addition, the monarchical system has been preserved in Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Order of Malta, Monaco and many other countries.

Exist in the modern world? Where on the planet are countries still ruled by kings and sultans? Find answers to these questions in our article. In addition, you will learn what a constitutional monarchy is. You will also find examples of countries with this form of government in this publication.

Basic forms of government in the modern world

Today, there are two main models of government known: monarchical and republican. Monarchy means a form of government in which power belongs to one person. This could be a king, emperor, emir, prince, sultan, etc. The second distinctive feature of the monarchical system is the process of transferring this power by inheritance (and not by the results of popular elections).

Today there are absolute, theocratic and constitutional monarchies. Republics (the second form of government) are more common in the modern world: there are about 70% of them. The republican model of government assumes the election of the supreme authorities - parliament and (or) the president.

The most famous monarchies on the planet: Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Japan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Examples of republican countries: Poland, Russia, France, Mexico, Ukraine. However, in this article we are only interested in countries with a constitutional monarchy (you will find a list of these states below).

Monarchy: absolute, theocratic, constitutional

Monarchical countries (there are about 40 of them in the world) are of three types. It can be a theocratic, absolute or constitutional monarchy. Let us briefly consider the features of each of them, and dwell in more detail on the last one.

IN absolute monarchies all power is concentrated in the hands of one person. He makes absolutely all decisions, implementing internal and foreign policy of your country. The most striking example of such a monarchy is Saudi Arabia.

In a theocratic monarchy, power belongs to the highest church (spiritual) minister. The only example of such a country is the Vatican, where the Pope is the absolute authority for the population. True, some researchers classify Brunei and even Great Britain as theocratic monarchies. It is no secret that the Queen of England is also the head of the church.

A constitutional monarchy is...

A constitutional monarchy is a model of government in which the power of the monarch is significantly limited.

Sometimes he may be completely deprived of supreme powers. In this case, the monarch is only a formal figure, a kind of symbol of the state (as, for example, in Great Britain).

All these legal restrictions on the power of the monarch, as a rule, are reflected in the constitution of a particular state (hence the name of this form of government).

Types of constitutional monarchy

Modern constitutional monarchies can be parliamentary or dualistic. In the first, the government is formed by the country's parliament, to which it reports. In dualistic constitutional monarchies, ministers are appointed (and removed) by the monarch himself. Parliament retains only the right of some veto.

It is worth noting that the division of countries into republics and monarchies sometimes turns out to be somewhat arbitrary. After all, even in the most isolated areas, certain aspects of continuity of power can be observed (appointments to important government posts relatives and friends). This applies to Russia, Ukraine and even the USA.

Constitutional monarchy: examples of countries

Today, 31 states in the world can be classified as constitutional monarchies. The third part of them is located in Western and Northern Europe. About 80% of all constitutional monarchies in the modern world are parliamentary, and only seven are dualistic.

Below are all countries with a constitutional monarchy (list). The region in which the state is located is indicated in brackets:

1. Luxembourg (Western Europe).
2. Liechtenstein (Western Europe).
3. Principality of Monaco (Western Europe).
4. Great Britain (Western Europe).
5. Netherlands (Western Europe).
6. Belgium (Western Europe).
7. Denmark (Western Europe).
8. Norway (Western Europe).
9. Sweden (Western Europe).
10. Spain (Western Europe).
11. Andorra (Western Europe).
12. Kuwait (Middle East).
13. UAE (Middle East).
14. Jordan (Middle East).
15. Japan (East Asia).
16. Cambodia (Southeast Asia).
17. Thailand (Southeast Asia).
18. Bhutan (Southeast Asia).
19. Australia (Australia and Oceania).
20. New Zealand (Australia and Oceania).
21. Papua New Guinea (Australia and Oceania).
22. Tonga (Australia and Oceania).
23. Solomon Islands (Australia and Oceania).
24. Canada (North America).
25. Morocco (North Africa).
26. Lesotho (South Africa).
27. Grenada (Caribbean region).
28. Jamaica (Caribbean region).
29. Saint Lucia (Caribbean region).
30. Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean region).
31. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Caribbean region).

On the map below, all these countries are marked in green.

Is constitutional monarchy the ideal form of government?

There is an opinion that a constitutional monarchy is the key to the stability and well-being of the country. Is it so?

Of course, a constitutional monarchy is not able to automatically solve all the problems that arise before the state. However, it is ready to offer society a certain political stability. Indeed, in such countries there is no constant struggle for power (imaginary or real) a priori.

The constitutional-monarchical model has a number of other advantages. As practice shows, it is in such states that it was possible to build the best social security systems in the world for citizens. And we are talking here not only about the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

You can take, for example, the same countries of the Persian Gulf (UAE, Kuwait). They have much less oil than in Russia. However, over several decades, from poor countries whose population was exclusively engaged in grazing livestock in oases, they were able to turn into successful, prosperous and fully established states.

The most famous constitutional monarchies in the world: Great Britain, Norway, Kuwait

Great Britain is one of the most famous parliamentary monarchies on the planet. (as well as formally 15 other Commonwealth countries) is Queen Elizabeth II. However, one should not think that she is a purely symbolic figure. The British Queen has a strong right to dissolve Parliament. In addition, she is the commander-in-chief of the British troops.

The Norwegian king is also the head of his state, according to the Constitution, which has been in force since 1814. To quote this document, Norway is “a free monarchical state with a limited and hereditary form of government.” Moreover, initially the king had broader powers, which were gradually narrowed.

Another parliamentary monarchy since 1962 is Kuwait. The role of the head of state here is played by the emir, who has broad powers: he dissolves parliament, signs laws, appoints the head of government; he also commands the Kuwaiti troops. It is curious that in this amazing country, women are absolutely equal in their political rights with men, which is not at all typical for the states of the Arab world.

Finally

Now you know what a constitutional monarchy is. Examples of this country are present on all continents of the planet, except Antarctica. These are the gray-haired wealthy states of old Europe, and the young richest

Can we say that the most optimal form of government in the world is a constitutional monarchy? Examples of countries - successful and highly developed - fully confirm this assumption.